Online degree programs are an excellent way for busy professions to gain advanced training and certifications either for the purpose of a career path switch, job promotion preparation, or just to enhance their working field’s related knowledge. However, not all online students will successfully complete their online programs. The success or failure of an online student in his learning program is affected by a few factors. Here are a few key elements that a successful online student must have:
Time Management
One of the key advantages of an online degree program is that it allows you to plan your learning schedule, at your own time and own pace. This key advantage of an online degree program is also the key factor that causes many online students to fail in completing their online degree programs. Time management may be the biggest determining factor in succeeding in your online degree program.
You must be very proactive in your studies and take responsibility for your own learning, manage your time on your learning schedule, doing assignments, and constantly communicating with your professors and peers through the course’s online platform to resolve your doubts and question of course material.
To master time management, determine what time of day you think you will be most focused on your studies. Are you a morning person or a night owl? Do you concentrate best after a cup of coffee or after lunch? Once you narrow in on a time of day reserve a designated allotment of time to dedicate to your course.
Self-Motivated
Getting your degree online does not mean that you will study alone … because you still connect with your professors and peers through online channels such as message board, chat, forum, etc. You won’t find the professor, or another student reminding you to get to work, stay on task, or turn your assignments in on time; hence, you must be self-motivated to be successful.
Read & Understand in Electronic Text Format
Some online learning materials are in audio and video format, but most of them are still in electronic text format. To be an online student, you will need to do a lot of reading in text format rather than hearing the lecturers’ teaching. There are students who absorb knowledge faster with explanations in lecture halls, but to be a successful online student, you need to be better in understanding the knowledge conveyed in text format.
Place of Study
Some students need absolute silence while others can’t seem to concentrate without noise in the background. No matter what your preference is, a place that is free from distractions is recommended. If you can’t escape in-home interruptions, bring along your laptop to a library or a coffee shop. Schedule your designated study time when you can be in a distraction-free environment and your chances for success will increase and the time you need to devote to your course will decrease.
Seeking for Answers on Your Questions
Many online courses come with instructor support or are mentored by an online lecturer so that students never feel lost or alone during the e-learning process. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, you can always direct inquiries to your lecturer.
Online chat rooms, if provided, are another great resource for you to seek for answers. Online chat rooms give students a forum to meet other students taking the same course and ask questions or discuss assignments.
To be a successful online student, you must be able to utilize the online resources provided by the school to communicate with your professors, peers, and get your questions answered.
In Summary
In a nutshell, success in online learning requires self-discipline, organization, and the ability to use modern technology to communicate with your professors and peers.
Next in the “A Guide To Online Degrees” series, we will talk about online degree pricing. See you at “A Guide To Online Degrees – Considering Online Degree Pricing”.
Note: This content was curated from a third party.